Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, former foreign minister for Afghanistan and presidential candidate in Afghanistan's 2009 elections, highlighted efforts to reform the Afghan government, Monday. The former presidential candidate, who was defeated in the highly disputed democratic election last August to Hamid Karzai, chose to focus his attention on establishing peace, instead of ending war.
"In terms of priorities of the country, some might put security, Al Qaeda, Taliban as a top priority; another, corruption, bad governance, but in the whole package of issues that you are dealing with and we are dealing with, I think that the political process - the democratic process - which the fate of 30 million, the population of Afghanistan, will depend upon; that's the most critical."
Although the struggle between Western and Afghan forces with insurgents in the turbulent nation continues, Abdullah voiced his opinion that the primary focus should be on establishing a strong, transparent, accountable, and effective government.
The Afghan politician spoke positively about U.S. efforts to establish democratic governance in the region, and called for America's continued support.
"What is expected by the United States? To stand by the democratic process, and to help it and to secure it."
Abdullah Names Governmental Process Top Priority In Afghanistan
Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, former foreign minister for Afghanistan and presidential candidate in Afghanistan's 2009 elections, highlighted efforts to reform the Afghan government, Monday. The former presidential candidate, who was defeated in the highly disputed democratic election last August to Hamid Karzai, chose to focus his attention on establishing peace, instead of ending war.
"In terms of priorities of the country, some might put security, Al Qaeda, Taliban as a top priority; another, corruption, bad governance, but in the whole package of issues that you are dealing with and we are dealing with, I think that the political process - the democratic process - which the fate of 30 million, the population of Afghanistan, will depend upon; that's the most critical."
Although the struggle between Western and Afghan forces with insurgents in the turbulent nation continues, Abdullah voiced his opinion that the primary focus should be on establishing a strong, transparent, accountable, and effective government.
The Afghan politician spoke positively about U.S. efforts to establish democratic governance in the region, and called for America's continued support.
"What is expected by the United States? To stand by the democratic process, and to help it and to secure it."